Hardware Wallet Inventory Fields Worth Recording

Buying a new Ledger is easy. Remembering which firmware version it runs, which passphrase profile is active, and which pool addresses it holds — that is archive work.

Minimum device record

For each hardware wallet in your operation, record:

• Manufacturer and model
• Firmware version at time of catalog
• Date of initial setup
• Passphrase profile name (if using hidden wallets)
• Associated payout addresses (active and retired)
• Physical location and container label code

Serial numbers: yes or no?

Recording serial numbers helps when you own multiple identical devices. Some clients prefer not to store serials in digital indexes; a bound paper archive at home and an encrypted USB copy at a separate location covers both preferences.

Firmware upgrade log

When you upgrade firmware, note the date and previous version in the archive margin. Quarterly reviews often reveal devices running outdated firmware because nobody updated the archive after the upgrade.

Retired devices stay in the inventory

A wallet you no longer use for active payouts may still hold keys to historical addresses. Move it to a “retired” section in the inventory rather than removing it. Include the date retired and the reason (pool migration, coin switch, hardware replacement).

Spare devices

Miners who keep a factory-reset spare should record its status explicitly: “uninitialized spare, purchased [date], stored [location].” Uninitialized spares have caused confusion when someone assumed they were already configured.